How to do whatsapp group video call on laptop


How to make or join a WhatsApp group video call

Why you can trust Pocket-lint

(Pocket-lint) - Facebook-owned messenger app Whatsapp, allows up to eight people to participate in a group video call.

This feature tells you everything you need to know about making group WhatsApp video calls, which are available on both iOS and Android, as well as the WhatsApp desktop.

  • WhatsApp tips and tricks

What is WhatsApp group calling?

WhatsApp has long supported voice and video calls and introduced group video chats in 2018. As we mentioned, you can make a group call with up to eight people simultaneously. Competitors like Google Duo offer up to 32.

Formerly, you needed to start a one-on-one voice or video call like normal on WhatsApp and then add multiple other participants to make it a group call. However, it's much easier nowadays.

How to make a WhatsApp group video call

It's worth noting that during any video call, you always have the option to turn off your video to revert to a voice call and/or mute your microphone.  

You need an existing WhatsApp group

To call a group, they need to be an existing WhatsApp group. To make a group, go to the Chats tab and tap 'New Group' at the top your chats. The group participants need to be in your contacts.

You can also tap the New Chat icon and then select New Group. 

Call the group

After you've created your group, or opened the group of people you want to video call, you'll need to tap the video icon in the top right corner. This will appear if you there are eight people or less in the group. Once you tap that, the group video call will begin.

If the group has more than eight people in it, you'll need to creat a room where you select up to seven other participants for the video call. In the group, tap on the call icon with the "+" in the top right corner and select your participants. If people in the group aren't in your contacts, they won't appear in this list. 

Once you have selected your participants, tap the blue video icon - you can also tap the phone icon if you just want voice.  

When participants receive a group video call, the incoming call screen shows the participants currently on the call. 

Add group participants to an existing call

If you want to start by placing a one-on-one call, this bit is for you. Just open the chat with the contact you want to voice call, then tap Voice call (phone icon) or Video call (camera icon).

After placing a one-on-one voice or video call, you will see an add participant button in the top right corner in the form of a person icon in a circle with a "+". Tap it to add more contacts to the call.

Group video calling on WhatsApp desktop

We have a separate feature that tells you how to make a group video call on WhatsApp desktop. The feature currently isn't available for WhatsApp web. You can find all the information on making a group video call on WhatsApp desktop by clicking here.

As a summary, you'll need the below for it to work though: 

  • The latest version of the WhatsApp desktop app (available for Windows PC and Mac)
  • An audio and microphone output device
  • A camera for video calls
  • An active internet connection on your phone and computer. You phone needs to be online to establish the call, but the call won't go through your phone.
  • Grant permission to WhatsApp desktop to access your computer's microphone and camera.

How to join a WhatsApp group video call

In July 2021, WhatsApp finally introduced the ability to join a group call, even after it’s started. "Joinable calls reduce the burden of answering a group call as it starts, and brings the spontaneity and ease of in-person conversations to group calling on WhatsApp," the company explained in a blog post.

Dashlane can keep your employees' passwords safe By Pocket-lint Promotion ·

If you're concerned about your organisation's security, this is a no-brainer.

Now, if you miss a group call when the phone rings, you can still join whenever you want. You can also drop-off and re-join so long as the call is still ongoing. WhatsApp has also created a call info screen so you can see who is already on the call, and who has been invited but not yet joined. If you simply don't feel like joining a group call, you can always hit "Ignore". But you can still join later, if you change your mind, from the calls tab in WhatsApp. 

Join an incoming group video call

  1. You’ll receive a notification when someone invites you to join a group video call.
    • If you can’t join, tap Ignore.
    • To open the call info screen, tap Join.
    • From the call menu, you can preview the call participants and other invitees.
  2. Tap Join to join the call.
  3. While on the call, tap Open to open the call info screen.
  4. Tap Add participant to add more contacts to the call.
  5. Tap Ring to send a notification to people who’ve already been invited.

Join a missed group video call

  1. Open WhatsApp, then tap the Calls tab.
  2. If the call is ongoing, tap the call you’d like to join.
    • This will open the call info screen.
  3. From the call menu, tap Join.

For further details and step-by-step instructions, check out WhatsApp's FAQ page.

Is WhatsApp group calling secure?

Group calls are "always end-to-end encrypted," according to WhatsApp. They're also designed to "work reliably" in various network conditions, although we'd ensure you have a strong data signal when you're making group video calls.

  • How do I switch on WhatsApp dark mode? Our step by step guide

Writing by Maggie Tillman and Dan Grabham.

How to make a voice or video call on WhatsApp desktop

Pocket-lint is supported by its readers. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

  1. Home
  2. Apps
  3. App news
  4. WhatsApp app news

Britta O'Boyle, Deputy editor

· ·

Explainer Provides context or background, definition and detail on a specific topic.

WhatsApp

Why you can trust Pocket-lint

(Pocket-lint) - WhatsApp has long offered voice and video calls through its iPhone and Android apps, but the feature is also available on its desktop app. 

Making a voice or video call using WhatsApp's desktop app works in both portrait and landscape orientation, and appears in a resizeable standalone window on your computer so you have the freedom to move it around. It is also set to always be on top. 

Currently, the feature is only available for one-to-one calls, but WhatsApp has said it has plans to include group voice and video calls in the future. All voice and video calls on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted.

Here's how to make a voice or video call using WhatsApp desktop and what you need.

What you need to make a voice or video call on WhatsApp desktop

To make or receive a voice or video call using WhatsApp desktop, you will need the following:

  • The latest version of the WhatsApp desktop app (available for Windows PC and Mac)
  • An audio and microphone output device
  • A camera for video calls
  • An active internet connection on your phone and computer. Your phone needs to be online to establish the call, but the call won't go through your phone.
  • Grant permission to WhatsApp desktop to access your computer's microphone and camera.

It's worth noting that WhatsApp Desktop calling is only supported on MacOS 10.13 and newer, and Windows 10 64-bit version 1903 and newer.

How to make a voice call using WhatsApp desktop

Follow these super easy steps to make a voice call using WhatsApp desktop. 

  1. Open the WhatsApp desktop app on your computer
  2. Scan the QR code using your phone (open WhatsApp on your phone > Tap Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device)
  3. Open the individual chat with the person you want to make a call to
  4. Click on the voice call icon
  5. Tap on End Call when you're done

You can mute or unmute your microphone by clicking the microphone icon during the call. It's also possible to switch from a voice call to a video call during the call - more on that below.

How to make a video call using WhatsApp desktop

To make a video call using WhatsApp desktop, follow the simple steps below:

  1. Open the WhatsApp desktop app on your computer
  2. Scan the QR code using your phone (open WhatsApp on your phone > Tap Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device)
  3. Open the individual chat with the person you want to make a video call to
  4. Tap on the Video call icon
  5. Tap End Call when you're finished

As with voice calling, you can mute or unmute your microphone by clicking the microphone icon during the call. You can also turn your camera off by tapping on the camera icon during the call.

How to switch between a voice call and video call using WhatsApp desktop

During a voice call with a contact, you can ask to switch to a video call, like you can with Apple's FaceTime for example. 

To switch between a voice call and a video call using WhatsApp desktop, follow the steps below:

  1. Follow the steps above to start a voice call with a contact
  2. During the call, hover over the Camera icon
  3. Click on the camera icon
  4. The contact you are talking to will then get the option to select OK or Switch to change the call to video, or Cancel to decline
  5. If they select OK or Switch, the voice call will switch over to video

How to answer a voice or video call on WhatsApp desktop

Answering a voice or video call on WhatsApp desktop is very simple.  

Dashlane can keep your employees' passwords safe By Pocket-lint Promotion ·

If you're concerned about your organisation's security, this is a no-brainer.

Three options will appear when someone voice calls you or video calls you and you have WhatsApp Desktop on and connected to your WhatsApp account.

Accept will accept the call. Decline will decline the call and Ignore or "x" will ignore the call.

Writing by Britta O'Boyle.

Sections WhatsApp Apps

WhatsApp video calls from a computer are officially out. How to call

Despite the fact that WhatsApp was recently at the center of a controversy over new privacy rules, according to which the data of the messenger's users will be transferred to Facebook, its audience has hardly decreased. No, some of the users have certainly moved to Telegram, which has been the main beneficiary of this scandal, but the vast majority have remained. Therefore, to express its gratitude to them, WhatsApp launched a new feature that it promised to release a long time ago - audio and video calls in the desktop application. nine0003

WhatsApp desktop version has video calls

How to transfer chats from WhatsApp to Telegram

Today, March 4, WhatsApp officially launched the audio and video calling feature for desktop platforms. Obviously, the developers were in a hurry to, so to speak, intercept the negative agenda and offer dissatisfied users the long-promised innovation. This is clearly seen from the restrictions that the messenger audience faced:

  • Update with audio and video calls is available only on Windows and Mac, and will be released later on ChromeOS and Linux;
  • The audio and video calls feature does not turn on for everyone even after installing the update;
  • Even those lucky enough to activate the feature can only call one person at a time;
  • Group calls for desktop platforms will appear later - with the release of the next update.

How to call WhatsApp from a computer

Despite the fact that WhatsApp activates the function of audio and video calls forcibly, applying the necessary changes on its servers, you still should not neglect the update. In the end, it is it that lays the foundation for the work of innovation. Therefore, if you do not upgrade, you should not count on the inclusion of a new feature. And, if you have already updated, then just follow the instructions below, it will provide you with a verbal connection with the outside world. nine0003

WhatsApp will delete your account if you do not accept the new agreement

  • Download the updated version of WhatsApp from this link;
  • Launch WhatsApp on your computer and confirm the login from your smartphone;

Only those who have installed the latest update can make video calls to WhatsApp on a computer. Screenshot from beebom.com

  • Make sure the camera and microphone are connected or active if built-in;
  • Select a chat with the desired interlocutor and press the video call button and wait for the call to be received. nine0014

Whatsapp calls on a computer

WhatsApp cannot be used without a smartphone connected to a PC

Please note that there are two buttons available in the WhatsApp desktop interface: a camera and a handset. Pressing the first one will create a video conference, and the second one will initiate a voice call. At the same time, you can always switch from any mode to another. To do this, click on the corresponding button in the call window. If you are in a video conference, press the handset, and if you are in an audio conference, then vice versa. If you want, you can stay in the video chat, but turn off the webcam. nine0003

Support for WhatsApp, Telegram and GPS: what will Xiaomi Mi Band 6 be like

It is inconvenient that for audio or video communication in WhatsApp, it is necessary to keep a smartphone next to you. Moreover, it must be turned on all the time, because it is through it that all calls pass. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that the traffic that you spend during your video conferences will count towards your mobile tariff. If you have limited cellular data, it's best to connect to an available Wi-Fi network, or if that's not available, have an audio conversation. nine0003

Tags
  • To beginners in Android
  • Applications for Android

Longrids for you

How to look at the passwords in the Google chromium

every day the number of various login and passwords in our use only increases. The requirements for them from sites and applications are becoming more and more stringent. It is no longer enough to just come up with a long password. It must contain capital letters and various symbols. Well, about the length, of course, no one forgets. In order not to come up with such complex combinations of characters ourselves, the password managers built into the system come to the rescue, offering the best options that are almost impossible to pick up. nine0003

Read more

Corporate messenger and video communication. How to replace departed services in 2022

It would seem that in the ten months of 2022, all well-known companies, including software vendors, left Russia, but to this day many of them are considering whether to stay or suspend work. Of course, such "swings" will not suit any leader of even the smallest enterprise - isn't it better to immediately switch from foreign software to domestic? We tell you which corporate messenger or video communication for a company from Russian developers to choose as a replacement for Western services in 2022. nine0003

Read more

How to open links in the desired application on Android

Surely you have repeatedly sent different links to Aliexpress or just some online stores. Very often, when you click on such links, a regular tab in the browser opens, instead of transferring you to the corresponding application with a convenient interface. If it is inconvenient to use the mobile version of the site, then you have to manually search for the desired page in the application, which can be quite critical in the conditions of limited time. nine0003

Read more

New comment

News News

  • How to connect AirPods to Windows

  • How to copy the text on the iPhone, iPad and Macaque

  • 9000. that work without internet

  • 5 cool sports games for your iPhone

How to Make WhatsApp Web Video Call on Laptop (2022)

Do you know how to make a WhatsApp web video call on a laptop? It's actually that simple. In this article, you will learn how to make a video call on a laptop.

Free download
Free download

Maria Matveeva

Oct 26, 2022• Proven Solutions

Are you wondering how to make WhatsApp web video calls on Laptops instead of phones? We promise it's possible! We tried to explain this a little more after we found that not everyone knows how it all works. nine0003

WhatsApp is one of our favorite communication apps, and it's especially useful when we're all stuck at home in a virus shelter. At a time when social distancing is on the rise, such apps are becoming more and more important. However, not all of us know how to call WhatsApp from a PC, and that is why we are here!

  • Part 1: Can You Make WhatsApp Video Calls on Computer
  • Part 2: How to Make a WhatsApp Web Video Call on Notebook
  • Part 3: Alternatives to WhatsApp Web

Part 1: Can You Make Video Calls with WhatsApp on Computer

Unfortunately, you cannot use WhatsApp on Computer to make video calls directly. However, you can use other third party software to simulate WhatsApp video call on computer. In addition to video calls, you can use other features such as those on your phone.

Anyone who asks “How can I make a video call on WhatsApp Web?” is in the right place. nine0003

Part 2: How to Make a WhatsApp Web Video Call on a Laptop

Anyone who has done a little research will see that you can use WhatsApp Web to make calls and send messages. At first glance, the controls appear to be the same, but you're more limited in what you can do because you can't seem to be able to make video calls.

What you need is an emulator. This smart little technology was first invented for things like playing retro video games on a modern computer. The emulator bridges the missing encryption between the two technologies. In the case of a product called Bluestacks, it will allow you to run WhatsApp as if it were on your phone, but through your computer. nine0003

All you need to do is follow these instructions and you will be able to make WhatsApp video calls on your laptop in no time!

In a few simple steps:

    1. Download the emulator - Bluestacks is considered the industry favorite at the moment.
    2. Select Save, then run the application. Give it time to install.
    3. Set up your account on the app and sign in to Google to sync.

    1. Find WhatsApp in the Play or Apple store and download it.

    1. Open it via Bluestacks and install WhatsApp with the same account on your phone.

  1. You can now see all your WhatsApp contacts and add more people here.
  2. Select a friend to start a conversation, and then click the video call button in the top right corner. The whole process is quite easy to complete, just like over the phone. nine0014

Your WhatsApp download will start from here, giving you the answer to how to make video calls on WhatsApp web on laptops.

Part 3: Alternatives to WhatsApp Web

There are 3 alternatives to WhatsApp Web that we can think of without racking our brains.

1. Skype Online

Skype is one of the most popular video calling and web calling applications. It gives you a local international ID to make long distance calls for free and much easier. It also has some great features if you need to work from home or via video conference. Skype has a great support team and some great extras that make the experience more accessible. When it comes to personalized professional styling, Skype has the most experience. You can also record a Skype video call easily. nine0003

2. Google Duo

If you don't know how to make WhatsApp Web video calls on laptops, then Google Duo is a great alternative. It provides HD video and audio chat when running on low bandwidth or poor Wi-Fi. It's fully compatible with everything Google does and works when you're signed into your Google account, so your friends don't have to work hard if you invite them to a call.

3. Facebook Messenger

If you don't intend to do much group chatting, then Messenger video calls are a sure way to catch up with friends during quarantine. Most people have Facebook, it will work with all of their products, and joining is as easy as clicking a link. The downside is that it only works if Facebook knows who you are. If you closed your account with them, then you will need to start from scratch. That said, audio and video are crisp, you can add file sharing, and you have the ability to send instant messages at any time. Plus, it will sync with your contacts just like Google Duo. nine0003

Rounding it up

So, if you can't figure out how to call WhatsApp from your computer, try one of our other tips to stay in touch. WhatsApp is an amazingly secure encrypted messaging service, but it's not the only one on the market. It may not even be the right product for you.

Best Video Editor & Screen Recorder

  • Powerful and easy to use video editor
  • Record desktop screen, voiceover and webcam at the same time
  • 2,000+ Free Video Editing Resources
  • Support for export formats of various social programs

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Free Download

For macOS X 10.


Learn more